Fifty Shades of Grey fans aren't taking Monday's casting news well. After author E.L. James announced that relative newcomers Dakota Johnson and Charlie Hunnam have been cast as Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey in the upcoming film adaptation of her erotic book trilogy, an online petition was made demanding a recasting — and fans know exactly who they want to get the job instead!
The petition on Change.org states, "We want Matt Bomer and Alexis Bledel as Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele in 50 Shades." As of the morning of Wednesday, Sept. 4, the petition had reached 20,306 signatures.
"Matt Bomer is the PERFECT DESCRIPTION OF CHRISTIAN GREY AND ALEXIS BLEDEL IS THE PERFECT ACTRESS TO REPRESENT ANASTASIA STEELE and if THEY ARE NOT, NOBODY WILL BE. And I read the whole trilogy and I can assure that Matt is the perfect actor for this movie and Alexis too," the petition argues. "So please PLEASE, all of the GREYsessed and Bomerettes in the world NEED those actors. They always will be for us the Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele. WE CAN DO ANYTHING GUYS, ANYTHING."
Bomer, 35, and Bledel, 31, were long hoped-for candidates for the leading roles in Fifty Shades of Grey. Shortly after a movie adaptation was announced in March 2012, fans created fake trailers online promoting the two stars. The Gilmore Girls alum told ELLE at the time that she was both flattered and freaked out by the videos. "People definitely do have strong opinions about it," she said. "I guess when people really identify with a concept, they feel strongly about it."
When Access Hollywood previously asked Bomer if he would sign on for the role, the Magic Mike star said he hadn't read the books, but added, "It sounds amazing, and from what I hear, people are really into the story so I gotta check it out."
Despite the fan-made petition, James and producers Dana Brunetti and Michael De Luca are standing by their casting decision. "There is a lot that goes into casting that isn't just looks. Talent, availability, their desire to do it, chemistry with other actor, etc," Brunetti explained on Twitter Monday. "So if your favorite wasn't cast, then it is most likely due to something on that list. Keep that in mind while hating and keep perspective."
But fans aren't exactly listening to Brunetti. One commenter wrote, "@DanaBrunettie I hate you. #NoMattNoAlexisNoMovie."
Tell Us: Do you think Bomer and Bledel would be a better fit for the lead roles in Fifty Shades of Grey?
